Digital Citizenship

Staying on Task3rd Graders Tackle Device Distractions

Even the most tech-savvy students can find it challenging to stay focused when using digital devices. Our 3rd graders recently explored how to manage device distractions and practice healthy digital habits that help them stay on task and ready to learn.
Through class discussions, role-playing, and hands-on practice, students learned key strategies for using technology responsibly like:
Clamshell your device — Close your Chromebook partway when you need to pause and listen.Eyes on your own screen — Stay focused on your work, not your neighbor’s.Focused fingers — Use your hands only for learning tasks, not for clicking around.Brain breaks — Give your mind a rest from screens to refocus and recharge.
Students then practiced these strategies in a lively game of Kahoot, reviewing what they learned while seeing who could stay the most focused.


Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Standards AddressedGrades 3–5: Digital Tools and Collaboration
9.DTC.a.1: Identify appropriate and inappropriate uses of technology and describe strategies for using technology responsibly.9.DTC.a.3: Demonstrate understanding of how to use digital tools safely and effectively for learning.10.CAS.a.1: Explain how balance and self-regulation are important when using digital tools.10.CAS.a.2: Describe ways to manage time and attention when working online.
By the end of the lesson, students were confident “focus pros,” ready to apply their new strategies during class time. With a mix of self-awareness, digital discipline, and a few well-timed brain breaks — plus some friendly competition in Kahoot — our 3rd graders are building strong habits for success in the digital age!


Essential QuestionsWhy is it important to stay focused when using a digital device?What strategies can help me use technology responsibly?How do brain breaks help me use technology in a healthy way?

Digital Citizenship

Click Smart4th & 5th Graders Learn the Rules of Online Safety

In today’s digital world, being online is part of everyday life for students — but knowing how to stay safe online is just as important as knowing how to navigate the web. Recently, our 4th and 5th graders participated in an engaging lesson on online safety, focusing on how to make smart choices when browsing, clicking, and sharing.
Students learned about:
Using secure links (look for the padlock and “https” in a web address)
Checking links before clicking to avoid suspicious or misleading websites
Recognizing and avoiding scams that try to trick users into sharing personal information
Through interactive discussions and examples, students practiced identifying safe and unsafe online scenarios. The lesson wrapped up with a rousing game of Kahoot, where students tested their knowledge in a fast-paced, friendly competition that brought plenty of excitement — and lots of learning!


Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Standards AddressedGrades 3–5: Digital Tools and Collaboration9.DTC.a.3: Demonstrate an understanding of how to use digital tools (e.g., browsers, search engines, websites) safely and responsibly.9.DTC.b.1: Explain why passwords, privacy settings, and secure websites are important to protect personal information.11.SI.a.1: Describe how to evaluate digital sources for accuracy, relevance, and reliability.11.CAS.a.3: Identify strategies for dealing with cyberbullying, scams, phishing, and other online risks.
By the end of the lesson, students walked away feeling more confident about staying safe online — and had a blast showing what they knew in Kahoot! It was a perfect mix of digital safety, critical thinking, and fun — all skills that will serve them well as responsible digital citizens.
Essential QuestionsHow can I recognize if a website or link is safe to click?Why is it important to protect my personal information online?What steps can I take if I think I’ve found a scam or suspicious website?

WeVideo

Ctrl + Creativity: Turning Opinion Essays into Digital Stories

Fourth graders in Ms. Davis's class recently took their opinion essays to the next level by transforming their written words into digital stories using WeVideo. After writing essays in response to the question, “Do you believe it’s important to rely on family and friends to overcome challenges?”, students explored how multimedia can make their ideas more powerful and engaging.
Each student began with a completed essay, which they had written and revised during their ELA block. Then, during technology class, they used WeVideo to bring those essays to life. Students recorded voiceovers of their writing, added images and videos, and learned to use transitions and text overlays to highlight key points. What began as a thoughtful written reflection became a compelling visual story about perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of relationships.
Throughout the process, students demonstrated creativity and digital literacy skills. They learned how to plan and organize a digital project, how to choose visuals that match tone and meaning, and how to edit their work for flow and pacing. The activity also emphasized collaboration and problem-solving—students often helped one another troubleshoot audio, select effective imagery, or adjust timing to match narration.
This project supported several Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Standards for grades 3–5, including:
Computing and Society (CAS 3–5: 1.3, 1.4): Students used digital tools to create and share information while discussing the impact of technology on communication and creativity.
Digital Tools and Collaboration (DTC 3–5: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4): Students selected and used WeVideo to create digital artifacts, collaborated with peers to problem-solve, and demonstrated responsible use of media.
Computing and Design (CT 3–5: 2.1, 2.2): Students used a step-by-step process to plan, create, and refine their multimedia projects, applying sequences and logical organization to achieve their creative goals.
By combining writing, storytelling, and technology, this project helped students see how their voices can extend beyond the page. The final videos showcased not only their opinions, but also their growing confidence as digital creators and communicators.
Each story reminded us of the same message the students wrote about—we’re stronger when we work together.

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?